President Donald Trump’s deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is drawing some notable critics who believe it is weak and will leave Iran better off and be a loss to the United States.
Top Trump allies blast US-Iran deal
In a Truth Social post, Trump said that details of the deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz would be announced shortly. However, media reports suggest that it would extend the ceasefire by 60 days to give time for negotiations.
It would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with the US lifting its blockade, a move that would see Iran make billions of dollars. The US would also unfreeze some Iranian funds and waiver some sanctions.
At the same time, the document would mean that the war between Israel and Lebanon would end, in a major victory to Iran.
Some of Donald Trump’s allies have blasted such a deal, arguing that it will empower the Iranians by handing them billions of dollars, which it will use to fund regional proxies and its missile program.
In an X post, Senator Ted Cruz, who told Tucker Carlson that his intention when running for Senate was to be Israel’s number one defender, warned that the deal would be a disastrous mistake. He added that:
“President Trump believes in peace through strength, and his strong leadership has already made America much safer. He should continue to hold the line, defend America & enforce the red lines he has repeatedly drawn.”
Meanwhile, Mark Levin, a media commentator who Trump listens to regularly, said that he was waiting for a deal, its enforcement mechanisms, and the Iranian interpretation. He believes that the Senate should have a role in any agreement the US reaches with Iran.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a top promoter of the war, also continued to advocate for the return to war. He argues that the deal will leave the Iranians better off if it leaves them controlling the Strait of Hormuz. He added:
“It makes one wonder why the war started to begin with if these perceptions are accurate. I personally am a skeptic of the idea that Iran cannot be denied the ability to terrorize the Strait and the region cannot protect itself against Iranian military capability.”
Trump is between a rock and a hard place
Despite Trump’s statements, analysts believe that he is between a rock and a hard place. He is in no position to make a deal that will please everyone.
Reaching a deal will alienate the neocons who have become his biggest supporters in the past few months. Losing this constituent will lead to a lower approval rating, which is already at a historical low. He will also lose the support of his top funders, including Miriam Adelson, who pumped over $250 million to his campaign.
On the other hand, launching attacks against Iran will lead to higher oil prices and push his rating much lower. Besides, Iran has warned that any attacks will lead to a major retaliation, including in other countries.
An escalation would lead to higher crude oil prices for longer as Iran would respond by attacking key infrastructure in the region. The US would also target Iranian oil infrastructure, including Kharg Island.
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